Steven J. Barnes

Steven James "Steve" Barnes, 58, of Milford, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10a.m. on Monday, July 16, 2012 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 218 N. Washington St. with Father Al Brungardt officiating. Cremation will take place following the service. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 15, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel at 203 N. Washington, with a rosary service at 3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions have been designated to the "Steve Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund," at Central National Bank, P.O. Box 700, Junction City, KS 66441.

Steve was born on July 4, 1954, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS, to James Barnes and Rose (McGrew). He spent most of his childhood growing up in the Oakland area of Topeka along with three of his five brothers.

He first graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education from Emporia State University in 1977, and began teaching at Highland Park High School as the automotive instructor in 1978. He later received a Masters degree in Education Administration from Kansas State University, and from the fall of 1990, was the Automotive Technology Instructor at Manhattan High School, West Campus.
Steve was always a truly devoted and dedicated educator and leader. He loved his students, and was equally loved in return.

Steve was married to Jo Schiffelbein on August 17, 1974, at Sacred Heart Parish, in Topeka, and since 1989, she and Steve had made their home in Milford, Kansas. Steve and Jo enjoyed over 38 wonderful and joyous years of married life together.

Steve was also proud to be an active member of the St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church in Junction City since moving to the area since 1989.

He is survived by his wife Jo of Milford, by his mother Rose of Topeka, Step-Mother Cindy Barnes of McEwen, TN, and by his two sons, Aaron and wife Crystal Barnes of Clay Center and Matthew and wife Kari Barnes of Junction City. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Emily Wolfe, Brooke, Colin, Dalton, and Dylan Barnes and by his five brothers, David and wife Mary Jane Barnes of Allen, TX, Jim and wife Judy Barnes of Memphis, TN, John Barnes of Missouri City, TX, Lt. Col. Wiley Barnes and wife Andrea of St. Louis, IL, and Neil and wife Jane Barnes of Nashville, TN.

He was preceded in death by his father James C. Barnes and his sister-in-law, Gail Barnes.